Cleaning Water Spots Off Hull

[skolbe]

I was curious what others use below the rub rail to get water spots off the hull? The hull cleaners are super strong, so I don't use them. I was waxing the hull and tried Lime Away and it seemed to get the spots off. Then I waxed after rinsing and cleaning the boat.

 

[sbw1]

QUOTE=skolbe;408358]I was curious what others use below the rub rail to get water spots off the hull? The hull cleaners are super strong, so I don't use them. I was waxing the hull and tried Lime Away and it seemed to get the spots off. Then I waxed after rinsing and cleaning the boat.[/

I use Lime Away or a weak hydrochloric acid solution on a damp clean white towel. The acid is easier as you just wipe the hull down and can do large areas (5'x10') at a time. It takes me about 10 minutes per side to do a hull that is about 38' long. Then I rinse it well before detailing the hull with polish and wax. Since it is a white hull, we only do this once a year in the spring time. I prefer the Lime Away when working inside the boat's cockpit where there is the potential for damaging something with the acid.

 

[320Bob]

While we on the subject of hull spots I have two. One from the A/C drain which is lime that I 'll try Lime Away or Tilex. The other is rust from my common drain. I tried both Starbrite Black Steak Remove and CLR on both spots but didn't work. I can remove the rust stain with rubbing compound but that is more work than its worth. What do you guys use for rust stains. I have clear plastic tubing to put in both drain holes which should prevent this from running down the hull in the future.

 

[skolbe]

I use hull cleaner for that stain. I dilute 50% and it usually get's the stain off. It will discolor the bottom paint.

 

[Tonka Boater]

I use Ducky Water Spot Remover. You can get it at West Marine and it works great. Or a 1:4 solution of vinegar and water works too.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=434260&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10104&subdeptNum=10379&classNum=10381

 

[Sum Escape]

+1 on the vinegar and water. Quick, easy and cheap. Just don't let it dry on the hull...brush on and hose off.

 

[sbw1]

The other is rust from my common drain. I tried both Starbrite Black Steak Remove and CLR on both spots but didn't work. I can remove the rust stain with rubbing compound but that is more work than its worth. What do you guys use for rust stains..............

Muiratic acid (HCL or Zing) takes rust off instantly. Just pour a little on a clean rag and wipe the area and it's gone. Throw the rag away when you are done. You need to re-wax the area.

 

[Tonka Boater]

Throw the rag away when you are done.

Along with your hand and your respiratory system :grin:. I've only used muiratic acid in my swimming pool and it about knocked me out.

 

[StephenOvalle]

A second vote for Ducky. I use it too and it works really well. It was a recommendation from my local SR dealer.

 

[mawyatt]

While we on the subject of hull spots I have two. One from the A/C drain which is lime that I 'll try Lime Away or Tilex. The other is rust from my common drain. I tried both Starbrite Black Steak Remove and CLR on both spots but didn't work. I can remove the rust stain with rubbing compound but that is more work than its worth. What do you guys use for rust stains. I have clear plastic tubing to put in both drain holes which should prevent this from running down the hull in the future.

Try Whink Rust Remover from Publix Supermarket. Use an old tooth brush to apply, let it sit for 5 min, then reapply if needed. Works on SS & gel coat.

If your rust is from the AC drip pan, replace with a non-rusting pan from Cruise Air.

 

[Kreole Kid]

I have used this stuff called "On-Off Hull Cleaner" and it worked great. It does smell like muratic acid too. Wipe on with a clean towel, rinse off, then throw the towel away. P.S. WEAR SOME TYPE OF PROTECTIVE GLOVES WHEN USING.

 

[sbw1]

Along with your hand and your respiratory system :grin:. I've only used muiratic acid in my swimming pool and it about knocked me out.

I pour a small amount in a plastic bucket and add a bit of water. You don't need to soak the rag. Just dampen one side of it and wipe large areas of the hull. Works like a charm and there are no fumes to contend with because of the dilution. It's also very cheap. I've had a gallon of acid in a plastic bottle that has lasted 10 years.

 

[jason78]

With all the talk here about Muratic Acid and ON/OFF, I figured I would mention that I have been told these products will discolor bottom paint due to a reaction with the copper in some bottom paints. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

 

[skolbe]

The Limeaway does discolor bottom paint and all acids do, but my bottom paint is being redone in the spring.

 

[270SLX]

If your boat is waxed and you wipe down after each outing, try Griot's Speed Shine (detailing spray). I've used it for years.

Dennis

 

[320Bob]

Well I tried many of your suggestions including straight vinegar and none did the job but Lime Out did for both the lime and the rust stains. I also put clear plastic tubing in the two drain holes with a rubber mallet to get them snug as shown below.

 

[skolbe]

What size is the tubing you used for the 2 thru-hulls - also the thru hulls have little ridges at the bottom did you silicone in to prevent leaks?

 

[320Bob]

What size is the tubing you used for the 2 thru-hulls - also the thru hulls have little ridges at the bottom did you silicone in to prevent leaks?

I used 3/4" OD tubing for the A/C thru hull that had to be notched at the 12 and 6 o'clock to go in over the 2 ridges. I used 1 5/8" OD tubing for the 1 1/2" larger thru hull because that was the closest OD Home Depot had. I had to notch in one place to fit the smaller opening and slide over the single ridge.

 

[sbw1]

With all the talk here about Muratic Acid and ON/OFF, I figured I would mention that I have been told these products will discolor bottom paint due to a reaction with the copper in some bottom paints. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Yes. Acid does change copper in the paint blue. I always touch up the water line on my boat with fresh bottom paint. And I don't go hog wild with the acid. When the boat is in the water, all you see is the water line so it's an easy fix. I usually paint the smile too.